Sunderland’s Premier League fate could be decided on Saturday after a tame 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

The Black Cats now known that defeat to Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light this weekend, coupled with just a point for Hull City at Southampton, would see the Wearsiders relegated from the top flight.

A solitary goal from Marten de Roon was enough for Boro to record their second win over David Moyes’ side of the season, following the 2-1 win on Wearside earlier in the campaign.

It as another game without a goal for Sunderland, with the visitors rarely offering too much of a threat to Brad Guzan’s goal.

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And the travelling fans voiced their discontent at manager Moyes and owner Ellis Short as emotions ran high at the Riverside.

Sunderland had started brightly, and forced a series of corners early on, although they were unable to capitalise on any of the opportunities.

It was against the run of play when Boro took the lead. A long through ball from Adam Clayton dissected Billy Jones and John O’Shea, and De Roon was on hand to poke the ball past Jordan Pickford in the Black Cats goal.

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The visitors, who were unchanged from the side which drew 2-2 with West Ham last time out, went close to levelling through Jermain Defoe and Didier Ndong, but Guzan was rarely called on to make a save of note as Sunderland took another step towards the Championship.

But who was to blame? Here are James Hunter's ratings.

Time Line

Middlesbrough 1-0 Sunderland: James Hunter's ratings

JORDAN PICKFORD 5

Made one good save from Downing, but could have done more to prevent the goal

BILLY JONES 4

Exposed time and again, and de Roon got between him and O’Shea for the goal

JOHN O’SHEA 5

Partly to blame for the goal and looked vulnerable whenever Boro attacked at pace

JASON DENAYER 6

Solid alongside O’Shea and won almost all his headers

JAVI MANQUILLO 5

Didn’t stand out defensively, or going forward

WAHBI KHAZRI 6

Tried to offer some creativity, forced Guzan into a save, but tired in the second half

DIDIER NDONG 6

Worked hard in midfield and did all he could to get his team back in the game

LEE CATTERMOLE 5

Looked off-the-pace in the middle of the park

DARRON GIBSON 4

Poor throughout. His passing was woeful all game

VICTOR ANICHEBE 6

Physical presence caused problems, especially when he was up against sub Fabio

JERMAIN DEFOE 6

Another frustrating game for him with few sights of goal although he never gave up trying

FABIO BORINI 4

For Gibson 65mins. Had 25mins, but offered absolutely nothing when he came on